When Game Changer, starring Ram Charan and Kiara Advani, hit the big screen on January 10, it was supposed to be a massive event. After all, it had been in the works for years and carried high expectations. But the movie’s release is turning out to be much less than the hype promised. Not only have the critical reviews been less than stellar, but the film is also being accused of manipulating its box office numbers.
Directed by S Shankar, the film was poised to be one of the biggest hits of 2025. The lead actors, Ram Charan, who has a massive fanbase after RRR, and Kiara Advani, known for her roles in Kabir Singh and Good Newwz, were expected to draw in huge crowds. But from the moment it hit theaters, things started going sideways.
Fans and critics alike have raised eyebrows over the film’s performances, both in terms of acting and storytelling. The plot is being called incoherent, and some have pointed out that the action scenes feel forced, rather than adding any real excitement. The songs have failed to make an impact, and even the much-hyped chemistry between Charan and Advani hasn’t really clicked with audiences.
But what’s really causing the uproar is the way the box office numbers are being handled. There have been reports online suggesting that the film’s earnings are being inflated to make it seem like a bigger success than it is. Some say that the production house is involved in some “creative” reporting, trying to push numbers that don’t reflect the actual turnout. While it’s not uncommon for films to report high numbers to gain attention, Game Changer seems to have taken it to a new level. Fans have noticed the discrepancies, and social media has been flooded with discussions about how the numbers don’t match the actual audience turnout in theaters.
One of the main issues is that the film’s reported collections don’t align with what people are actually seeing at the box office. Many reports claim that theaters are showing a much lower occupancy than what’s being claimed online. This kind of manipulation isn’t a new thing in the industry, but it’s still shocking to see such a big-budget film resorting to these tactics.
It’s clear that the filmmakers were hoping to build momentum from an initial surge in earnings, but the reality is setting in fast. As the days go by, reviews have continued to pour in, and they paint a pretty grim picture. Game Changer might have had a huge budget and a star-studded cast, but it looks like it might not live up to the high expectations placed on it.
For Ram Charan, who was riding high after RRR‘s success, this film is a setback. His fans were expecting something that would showcase his star power once again, but it seems like this film might be remembered more for its box office drama than its actual content.
Kiara Advani, too, is facing some heat. While she has been praised in the past for her performances, Game Changer doesn’t seem to be helping her career much. Audiences have pointed out that her role in the film felt more like an afterthought, not giving her much room to shine.
As for director S Shankar, known for his work in the Indian and Robot franchises, this film is a bit of a letdown. Fans had high hopes for his return, but Game Changer doesn’t seem to have the magic that his previous works did. Instead, it feels like a missed opportunity.
In the end, Game Changer may still find a way to make a profit, but the controversy surrounding its box office numbers might just overshadow its success. With the public calling out the manipulation and critics blasting the film for its lack of substance, it’s clear that this movie might go down as one of the biggest disappointments of 2025.
